Leica has finally released its latest generation 64MP medium format DSLR. The Leica S3 boasts 30 x 45mm Leica ProFormat CMOS sensor, Leica Maestro II processor, an ISO sensitivity range from 100-50,000 alongside a reported 15-stops of dynamic range.
The flagship camera is also capable of shooting DCI-compliant 4K 4:2:2 video up to 24p using the full sensor width as well as Full HD video at up to 30fps. Additionally, the newcomer comes equipped with dual memory card slots supporting SDXC and CF cards.
All in all, the S3 maintains the familiar design traits of previous S System cameras, including a large 0.87x-magnification optical pentaprism viewfinder with a high eyepoint for comfortable viewing.
Of course, there’s also a rear 3.0″ 921k-dot LCD for live view shooting and image review along with a top status LCD that allows users to quickly review shooting settings.
Other than that, the Leica S3 sports a unique dual shutter system, which permits working with either the camera’s focal plane shutter or with select lens’s Central Shutters for flash sync up to 1/1000 sec.
Additionally, the S3 incorporates Wi-Fi connectivity for use in conjunction with the Leica FOTOS app for remote camera control and wireless image sharing between the camera and a linked mobile device. I/O wise, the Leica S3 comes equipped with a Leica S Remote Terminal (USB 3.0), HDMI C (Mini), and a 3.5mm microphone jack.
The camera also has a large 2GB buffer that allows users to shoot up to six lossless compressed DNG image files or unlimited JPEGs at the camera’s top speed of 3fps. The phase-detection autofocus system, on the other hand, employs a single cross-type central point for fast and accurate focusing performance but shamefully can be used only when shooting stills.
Leica S3 Highlights
- Medium-Format DSLR
- 64MP 30 x 45mm CMOS Sensor
- Maestro II Image Processor
- DCI 4K and Full HD Video; 4:2:2 Color
- MOV/M-JPEG 4:2:2 8-Bit
- DCI 4K (4096 x 2160) at 24.00p
- Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 24.00p/25p/29.97p
- ISO 100-50000, Up to 3 fps Shooting
- Leica S Lens Mount
- ISO Sensitivity – 100 to 50000
- 3.5mm microphone jack
- WiFi connectivity
- Dual Card Slots (CF and SDXC)
- Weight: 2.77 lb / 1260 g (Body Only)
The Leica S3 is already available for pre-order selling for whopping $19,000. To learn more, head over to the Leica website here.
[source: Leica]
B&H Pre-Order Link:
Leica S3 Medium Format DSLR Camera (Body Only)
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